statue of Arnolfo di Cambio
Posted in: History Important People Museums & Galleries Tourist Attractions
Whilst holidaying in Tuscany, it’s highly worthwhile to pay a visit to some of the architectural masterpieces executed under the direction of these two great architects of the Renaissance; Arnolfo di Cambio and Giotto.

Together they helped to design some of Florence city’s finest buildings and their interior architecture. Visitors that want to spend a few days of their vacation here have a wealth of beautiful apartments and holiday rentals with excellent reviews in Florence to choose from.

Arnolfo di Cambio was born in 1240 in Colle Val d’Elsa in Siena and was educated in the arts of sculpture and architecture. He quickly rose through the ranks and soon led the design of many expansion layouts of Tuscan towns including Terranuova Bracciolini in the Valdarno area.
Sandro Botticelli self portrait in his adoration of the magi
Posted in: History Important People Museums & Galleries Tourist Attractions
A tour around the artistic city of Florence in Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without a mention of these two great men; Sandro Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio who were both famous Renaissance painters.

Spend a few days visiting the places which display the masterpieces they left behind! Tourists wishing to stay for a few days have a superb selection of stylish apartments in Florence and other vacation rentals available to choose from.

Sandro Botticelli was born Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi in 1445 and went on to become a master painter of the Renaissance. Although there are very few details of his personal life, he has left behind a colourful array of artwork that leaves no doubt in the minds of art experts that he was a genius at creating realistic portraits and scenes.

He had a very distinctive style, choosing to paint in low relief and draw clear contours in his characters, adding plenty of colour.
Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus'
Posted in: History Important People Museums & Galleries Renaissance Tourist Attractions
What Tuscan holiday would be complete without an exciting tour around some of the world’s most famous art and sculptures, many of which are located in the Renaissance city of Florence and nearby towns.

Visitors come in their thousands to admire original masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and others, all beautifully displayed in art galleries and churches in Tuscany.



Tourists wishing to base their vacation stay close to this artistic trail will find many splendid apartments and luxury villa rentals near Florence city, famously cited as the ‘Cradle of the Arts’.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the men who changed the cultural world with their innovative methods of painting, scientific discoveries, architecture, literature and much more!
view of Carmignano town
Posted in: Food and Wine Products & Specialities Slow Food Tourist Attractions
Experience the fantastic flavours of Tuscan ‘Slow Food’! These are traditional products that have been successfully passed down from generation to generation. They were vigorously promoted in a battle against the growing fast food movement in Italy in the late eighties.

There's a lovely selection of villa rentals in Pistoia, Carmignano and San Miniato to choose from, where the following products originate.

Visitors will have a wonderful time tasting all this delicious food; it could be an excellent addition to a gastronomic tour of the region!
medici family crest
Posted in: Florence Localities Museums & Galleries Tourist Attractions
Discover the story behind the conspiracy against the famous Medici family, a wealthy family of bankers who held some of the most powerful positions in Florence during the 13th and 14th centuries!

Visitors to Florence city have a superb collection of stylish apartments to choose from if they wish to stay and explore the ‘Cradle of the Arts’ for a few days of history and culture!

The Pazzi family were jealous rivals of the Medici family during their reign of power, and were also based in Florence, along with the Salviati who were the papal bankers in Florence and Pope Sixtus IV. Together they plotted to bring down the Medici family, seize their assets and take control of the province.